Enormous Idaho wildfire destroys more than 80 buildings

MOUNTAIN HOME, IDAHO (BNO NEWS) -- An enormous wildfire raging unchecked in the Idaho mountains has destroyed more than 80 buildings, including dozens of homes, according to an initial assessment released Wednesday as the fire grew to nearly 112,000 acres (45,324 hectares).

The so-called Elk Complex Fire broke out at around 9 p.m. local time on Thursday, August 8, after several lightning strikes about 10 miles (16 kilometers) southwest of the unincorporated community of Pine in Elmore County. It had charred at least 111,977 acres (45,315 hectares) by late Wednesday night, with only 25 percent containment.

Fire officials said the extremely dry conditions combined with steep terrain has created plume-dominated fire behavior. This means the fire's behavior is governed primarily by the local wind circulation produced in response to the strong convection above the fire rather than by the general wind.

More than 850 fire personnel struggled Wednesday to protect houses in the communities of Pine and Featherville, where hundreds of people have fled after mandatory evacuation orders were issued. The Elmore County Sheriff's Office said an initial structure assessment showed the wildfire had destroyed at least 81 structures in the area, including 38 residences and 43 outbuildings.

With temperatures at 89 degrees Fahrenheit (31.6 degrees Celsius), combined with low humidity, gusting winds and difficult terrain, authorities said it is likely the fire will continue to grow. There had been no reports of casualties as of early Thursday morning, but large numbers of animals - including a bear and dozens of deer - have been killed.

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